Base station for use with digital pens

ABSTRACT

Examples of the disclosure enable a docking station to provide various capabilities. In some examples, the docking station includes a sidewall at least partially defining a cavity, a charge module configured to charge a digital pen positioned within the cavity, and an authentication module configured to associate a digital pen with one or more user settings such that the digital pen is configured to operate in accordance with the user settings. Examples of the disclosure enable one or more digital pens to be placed in or retrieved from the docking station in a user-friendly manner.

BACKGROUND

Some known interactive displays include a digital pen docking stationthat is configured to retain a limited number of digital pens. Forexample, at least some known docking stations include a single-pen-sizedtrough sized to accommodate only one digital pen at a time. Docking adigital pen onto such docking stations requires precise alignment of thedigital pen (e.g., for ensuring contact with charging pads) and, assuch, may be tedious, cumbersome, or time-consuming.

When using known docking stations configured to retain only a limitednumber of digital pens, a user may need to retrieve a new digital peneach time a digital pen is misplaced or damaged. Furthermore, suchdocking stations may not be conducive to collaborative efforts involvinga plurality of users. The users may share a common digital pen, therebylimiting a number of users that may interact with the interactivedisplay or, alternatively, each user may have a respective digital pento interact with the interactive display but not have a respectivedocking station onto which the digital pen may be placed in betweeninteractions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example environment for managing anoperation of a peripheral device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example base station for managing anoperation of a peripheral device in an environment, such as theenvironment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a base station, such asthe base station shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating example palette devices and basestations, such as the base station shown in FIG. 2, including examplepalette modules that may be used with the palette devices.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating example base stations, such asthe base station shown in FIG. 2, including example palette modules.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example base station, such as thebase station shown in FIG. 2, including an example communication module.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example computing devicethat may be used in an environment, such as the environment shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of managing anoperation of a charge module using a computing device, such as thecomputing device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of managing anoperation of an authentication module using a computing device, such asthe computing device shown in FIG. 9.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the disclosure enable a docking station to provide variouscapabilities including, without limitation, storing a digital pen,charging a digital pen, associating a digital pen with one or more usersettings, authenticating a user of a digital pen, syncing data between adigital pen and a computing device, creating/updating a user accountassociated with a user of a digital pen, adjusting an operatingparameter associated with a digital pen, and providing teleconferencingfunctionalities. Some examples include a base station (e.g., a dockingstation) including a sidewall at least partially defining a cavity, acharge module configured to charge a digital pen positioned within thecavity, and an authentication module configured to associate a digitalpen with one or more user settings such that the digital pen isconfigured to operate in accordance with the user settings.

Aspects of the disclosure enable a peripheral device, such as a digitalpen or stylus, to be efficiently and effectively used across a pluralityof user devices. In some examples, a digital pen may be retrieved from abase station storing a plurality of digital pens in a user-friendlymanner for use with one or more user devices. After use, the digital penmay be placed in the base station to charge the digital pen orsynchronize data between the digital pen and a user device. In this way,the base station may be conducive to collaborative efforts involving aplurality of users who may use a plurality of digital pens. Byincorporating a docking station with various features in the mannerdescribed in this disclosure, some examples improve usability, enhancereliability, improve communication between mobile devices, increasesystem functionality, improve user efficiency via user interfaceinteraction, increase user interaction performance, and/or reduce errorrate.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example environment 100 thatincludes one or more user devices 110 (e.g., base station, tablet,smartphone, television, video game console, desktop, laptop, interactivewhiteboard). A server 120 is coupled to the user devices 110. In someexamples, the server 120 is a cloud-based server coupled to the userdevice 110 via a network 130. The network 130 includes wireless and/orwired communication protocols and enables a user device 110 tocommunicate with the server 120 or with other user devices 110.Alternatively, the server 120 may be coupled to the user device 110 orthe user devices 110 may be coupled to each other in any manner thatenables the environment 100 to function as described herein.

A user 140 may access a user account 150 associated with the user 140 bylogging on to one or more user devices 110 (e.g., by providing a loginname and password), such that the user devices 110 are associated withthe user 140 or the user account 150. A user device 110 remainsassociated with the user account 150 until the user device 110 isdisassociated from the user account 150. Additionally or alternatively,the user device 110 may remain associated with the user account 150until a predetermined event occurs or a predetermined amount of timelapses since logging on to the user devices 110.

The server 120 is configured to store or manage one or more useraccounts 150, such that the user 140 may access the user account 150 bylogging on to any user device 110 coupled to the server 120.Alternatively, the user account 150 may be stored at any location thatenables the environment 100 to function as described herein. The useraccount 150 may be associated with or include one or more user settings(e.g., user preferences) that enable one or more functionalities of theuser devices 110 to be customized. User settings may include, forexample, one or more of an operating mode (e.g., function loadout suchas write, erase, highlight), a font, an ink color, a font size, a penpressure curve, a pen-button assignment (e.g., function loadout for thebuttons), or a device priority.

The user 140 may access the user account 150 via the user device 110 tocreate or update one or more user settings. The user settings are added,removed, or edited locally at the user device 110. In at least someexamples, the user device 110 transmits a signal associated with theaddition, removal, or editing of one or more user settings to the server120 and, based on the signal, the server 120 creates or updates the usersettings. The server 120 may transmit the created or updated usersettings to one or more user devices 110 associated with the useraccount 150, such that the user devices 110 are configured to operate inaccordance with the user setting. The user device 110 may directlytransmit a signal associating one or more user settings with one or moreother user devices 110, and the other user devices 110 may recognize theuser settings.

A first user device 110 may be coupled to a second user device 110, suchthat the first user device 110 is configured to interact with the seconduser device 110. The user 140 may provide user input to the first userdevice 110 and affect an operation of the second user device 110. In atleast some examples, the first user device 110 is coupled to the seconduser device 110 via the network 130 or server 120. Alternatively, thefirst user device 110 may be coupled to the second user device 110 inany manner that enables the environment 100 to function as describedherein.

One or more peripheral devices (e.g., digital pens 160) are coupleableto the user device 110, such that the digital pen 160 is configured tointeract with the user device 110. The user 140 may provide user inputto the user device 110 via the digital pen 160. Additionally oralternatively, the user device 110 may present user output to the user140 via the digital pen 160. In at least some examples, the user 140uses the digital pen 160 to provide input to an application executing onthe user device 110 by selecting, highlighting, erasing, or writing on adisplay surface (e.g., a digitizing flat panel display) of the userdevice 110. Alternatively, the user 140 may use the digital pen 160 tointeract with the user device 110 in any manner that enables theenvironment 100 to function as described herein. While some examples ofthe disclosure are illustrated and described herein with reference to aperipheral device being a digital pen 160, aspects of the disclosure areoperable with any peripheral device that interacts with the user device110. The peripheral device may be a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control,a monitor, a speaker, a printer, or other peripheral devices.

The digital pen 160 may be paired with or coupled to the user device110, such that the digital pen 160 is identified or recognized as adevice authorized to interact with the user device 110. In at least someexamples, the digital pen 160 transmits a signal indicating a presenceof the digital pen 160 or requesting a secure connection, and the userdevice 110 detects the signal, acknowledges the presence of the digitalpen 160, and confirms the secure connection. For example, a deviceidentity 170 identifying the digital pen 160 is transmitted from thedigital pen 160 to the user device 110, and the user device 110 comparesthe device identity 170 to an expected value (e.g., using a hashingalgorithm or lookup table) to determine an integrity of the deviceidentity 170.

The digital pen 160 may be paired to the user device 110 using anydevice-to-device interaction protocol such as BLUETOOTH brand wirelesstechnology standard, WI-FI brand local area wireless technology, WI-FIDIRECT brand Wi-Fi standard, ZIGBEE brand communication standard, nearfield communication (NFC) technology, received signal strength indicator(RSSI) technology, or proprietary radio protocols (BLUETOOTH is atrademark of Bluetooth Special Interest Group, WI-FI and WI-FI DIRECTare trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance, and ZIGBEE is a trademark of theZigBee Alliance). The user device 110 may include a pen associationtracker 180 that detects/identifies the digital pen 160 in accordancewith a technology stack that manages or controls communication betweenthe digital pen 160 and the user device 110. Alternatively, the digitalpen 160 may be paired with or coupled to the user device 110 in anymanner that enables the environment 100 to function as described herein.

The digital pen 160 is associated with a unique device identity 170(e.g., serial number, media access control or MAC address unique amongother digital pens 160) that uniquely identifies the digital pen 160.The device identity 170 may include or be associated with a BLUETOOTHbrand address. Alternatively, the digital pen 160 may be identified inany manner that enables the environment 100 to function as describedherein. In at least some examples, the user device 110 generates anotification indicating or confirming that the digital pen 160 is anauthorized device (e.g., that the device identity 170 is associated withthe user device 110).

The digital pen 160 may be associated with the user 140 or the useraccount 150, such that the user 140 may use the digital pen 160 with anyuser device 110 associated with the user 140 or the user account 150.The server 120 may be configured to associate the device identity 170with the user account 150, such that the digital pen 160 is configuredto interact with any user device 110 associated with the user account150. In at least some examples, a user device 110 transmits, to theserver 120, a signal indicating that the digital pen 160 is authorizedto interact with the user device 110 and, based on the signal, a server120 associates the digital pen 160 with a user account 150 associatedwith the user device 110.

The server 120 is configured to identify one or more user devices 110associated with the user account 150, associate the device identity 170with the user devices 110 such that the digital pen 160 is configured tointeract with the user devices 110 (e.g., the digital pen 160 isauthorized to interact with one or more user devices 110 associated withthe user account 150), and transmit, to the user devices 110, a signalindicating the association of the device identity 170 with the userdevice 110. A user device 110 may generate a notification indicatingthat the digital pen 160 is an authorized device (e.g., the digital pen160 is paired or coupled with the user device 110). In at least someexamples, the user device 110 identifies the digital pen 160 as anauthorized device without manually pairing the digital pen 160 with theuser device 110. The user device 110 is configured to track a list ofdigital pens 160 (e.g., through device identities 170) and manage aninteraction with the digital pens 160 on the list.

The device identity 170 may be selectively associated with one or moreuser devices 110, such that the digital pen 160 is configured tointeract with the selectively associated user devices 110. For example,the device identity 170 may be associated with a first set of userdevices 110, such that the digital pen 160 is configured to interactwith each user device 110 of the first set of user devices 110 and/or isnot associated with a second set of user devices 110, such that thedigital pen 160 is not configured to interact with each user device 110of the second set of user devices 110.

The digital pen 160 is configured to receive user input from the user140 and transmit a signal associated with the user input to the userdevice 110. A digital pen 160 may signal an event or action (e.g.,click) by transmitting a BLUETOOTH brand low energy advertising packetincluding the device identity 170 and a customized command payload. Inat least some examples, the user device 110 includes an event handler185 configured to process the user input in accordance with a technologystack that manages or controls communication between a peripheral device(e.g., digital pen 160) and the user device 110. The user device 110 mayreceive the advertising packet, decode the command payload, or perform adesired action associated with the command payload (e.g., launch adesired application).

The user device 110 may determine whether to perform the desired actionbased on one or more parameters. For example, the user device 110 maydetermine whether to execute the operation based on a proximity of thedigital pen 160 to the user device 110. As advertising packets are sentto and received by any compatible device (e.g., any device configured touse BLUETOOTH brand technology) without establishing a connection, in atleast some examples, the user devices 110 and the digital pens 160 mayinteract with each other without previous encounter or knowledge of eachother.

In at least some examples, a plurality of user devices 110 receive thesignal associated with the user input, and each user device 110 decodesthe command payload or performs a desired action associated with thecommand payload (e.g., launch a desired application) independent of theother user devices 110. A plurality of user devices 110 may receive thesignal associated with the user input, and one or more user devices 110may determine whether to decode the command payload or perform a desiredaction associated with the command payload based on one or moreparameters. In at least some examples, a user device 110 transmits asignal associated with the user input to the server 120, and the server120 identifies one or more user devices 110 that are to decode thecommand payload or perform a desired action associated with the commandpayload.

The user device 110 may use received signal strength indicator (RSSI)technology to make intelligent operational or functional decisions. Auser device 110 may use RSSI-threshold monitoring to design algorithmsthat determine whether a single user device 110 or multiple user devices110 take action in response to receiving an advertising packet. For datatransfers that require secure data channels, the user device 110 mayinitiate establishing a connection with the digital pen 160 in responseto the advertising packet and switch to a secure connection mode. Theconnection may then be dissolved after the data transfer, and the userdevice 110 may switch back to an advertising mode.

In some examples, the user device 110 includes a device manager 190 thatenables the user device 110 to create or manage device configurationsassociated with a device (e.g., user device 110, digital pen 160). Theuser 140 may add, remove, edit, or update one or more deviceconfigurations associated with the digital pen 160. In at least someexamples, the device manager 190 includes or is coupled to a buscontroller that enables one or more digital pens 160 to communicate witheach other with little or no intervention from the user device 110.

The device identity 170 may be disassociated from the user device 110(e.g., the digital pen 160 is unpaired or decoupled from the user device110), such that the digital pen 160 is not configured to interact withthe user device 110. In at least some examples, the user device 110transmits, to the server 120, a signal indicating that the digital pen160 is not authorized to interact with the user device 110 (e.g., adisassociation of the device identity 170 from the user device 110).Based on the signal, the server 120 disassociates the digital pen 160from a user account 150 associated with the user device 110, such thatthe digital pen 160 is not configured to interact with the remaininguser devices 110 associated with the user account 150 (e.g., the digitalpen 160 is unpaired or decoupled from each user device 110 associatedwith the user account 150). That is, a digital pen 160 may be unpairedfrom a user device 110 without manually unpairing the digital pen 160from the user device 110. A user device 110 may generate a notificationindicating that the digital pen 160 is not an authorized device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a base station 200 for managing anoperation of a digital pen 160. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagramillustrating the base station 200. The base station 200 includes asidewall 210 that at least partially defines a cavity 220 sized toretain a plurality of digital pens 160 therein. In some examples, thesidewall 210 is generally cylindrical or frustoconical in shape anddefines an opening 230 that enables a user 140 to position one or moredigital pens 160 within the cavity 220 or remove one or more digitalpens 160 from the cavity 220 in a user-friendly manner. A base station200 used in a conference room may be configured to retain a plurality ofwhiteboard-style digital pens 160, and a base station 200 used in anartist studio may be configured to retain a plurality ofpaintbrush-style digital pens 160. Alternatively, the sidewall 210 mayhave any size or shape that enables the base station 200 to function asdescribed herein.

The base station 200 includes a charge module 240 (shown in FIG. 2) thatincludes one or more first inductive rings 250. In some examples, thefirst inductive rings 250 are coupled to the sidewall 210 such that thefirst inductive rings 250 extend about the cavity 220. The charge module240 is configured to determine whether a digital pen 160 is positionedwithin the cavity 220 and, upon determining that the digital pen 160 ispositioned within the cavity, use the first inductive rings 250 totransmit energy towards the cavity 220 such that the charge module 240charges the digital pen 160 through induction.

The charge module 240 may transform electric energy to magnetic energy,and one or more digital pens 160 may include one or more secondinductive rings 260 configured to receive the magnetic energy andtransform the magnetic energy to electric energy. In at least someexamples, the digital pen 160 includes a predetermined number of secondinductive rings 260 based on an electronic parameter (e.g., voltage)associated with the digital pen 160. Alternatively, the charge module240 may use any near-field charging technology that enables the basestation 200 to function as described herein. When the charge module 240determines that no digital pens 160 are positioned within the cavity 220or that all of the digital pens 160 positioned within the cavity 220 arefully charged, in at least some examples, the charge module 240 does nottransmit energy towards the cavity 220.

The first inductive rings 250 may be spaced vertically along thesidewall 210 or extended about the cavity 220 such that the chargemodule 240 is aligned or oriented to charge digital pens 160 havingvarious shapes, sizes, or configurations. The first inductive rings 250may be spaced to interface with one or more second inductive rings 260of a first digital pen 160 having a first configuration, and with one ormore second inductive rings 260 of a second digital pen 160 having asecond configuration different from the first configuration.Alternatively, the first inductive rings may be arranged in anyalignment or orientation that enables the base station 200 to functionas described herein.

The base station 200 includes an authentication module 270 (shown inFIG. 2) configured to receive input (e.g., a signal, a device identity170) from the digital pen 160 and, based on the input, authorize thedigital pen 160 to interact with the base station 200. Theauthentication module 270 may include a sensor configured to detect thedigital pen 160 or a signal transmitted by the digital pen 160. In atleast some examples, the authentication module 270 includes a penassociation tracker 180 (shown in FIG. 1) that identifies the digitalpen 160 or a signal transmitted by the digital pen 160 and pairs thedigital pen 160 with the base station 200 such that the digital pen 160is configured to interact with the base station 200.

The authentication module 270 may receive input (e.g., a username, apassword) at the base station 200 or from the digital pen 160 and, basedon the input, determine whether the user 140 of the digital pen 160 isassociated with the user account 150. The authentication module 270 mayauthorize access to a corresponding user account 150 when it isdetermined that the user 140 of the digital pen 160 is associated withthe user account 150. Upon authorizing access to a user account 150, theauthentication module 270 may identify one or more user settingsassociated with the user account 150 and associate the base station 200or the digital pen 160 with the user settings such that the base station200 or the digital pen 160 is configured to operate in accordance withthe user account 150 (e.g., user settings). In at least some examples,the user account 150 is created or edited based at least partially oninput received by the authentication module 270.

Additionally or alternatively, the authentication module 270 may receiveinput (e.g., biometric data, signature recognition) at the base station200 or from the digital pen 160 and, based on the input, authenticatethe user 140. In addition to authorizing access to a corresponding useraccount 150, authenticating a user 140 verifies an identity of the user140. The authentication module 270 may include a sensor that detects athumbprint uniquely identifying a user 140 and, based on the thumbprint,authenticates the user 140. Additionally or alternatively, the digitalpen 160 may be used to write or sign a name (e.g., a signature), and thesignature may be compared with a predetermined, verified signature todetermine whether to authenticate the user 140. An authorized,authenticated user 140 may have increased access to information or haveincreased privileges.

In some examples, the authentication module 270 generates a provisionalor temporary user account 150 that enables the digital pen 160 to becustomized (e.g., to change user settings) without associating thecustomizations with a particular user account 150 (e.g., a unique useraccount 150). The digital pen 160 may be associated with the provisionaluser account 150 and its customizations until a predetermined eventoccurs (e.g., a user 140 logs onto the user account 150) or apredetermined amount of time lapses (e.g., the digital pen 160 isdormant or not used for a predetermined amount of time).

The authentication module 270 is configured to couple the base station200 to another user device 110 (shown in FIG. 1) such that the basestation 200 is configured to interact with the user device 110. The user140 may provide user input to the base station 200 (e.g., change a usersetting) and affect an operation of the user device 110 (e.g., changehow the user device 110 interacts with the digital pen 160). The basestation 200 may be coupled to the user device 110 directly, via thenetwork 130 (shown in FIG. 1), or via the server 120 (shown in FIG. 1).Alternatively, the base station 200 may be coupled to the user device110 in any manner that enables the environment 100 (shown in FIG. 1) tofunction as described herein.

The base station 200 provides a connection point for a near-fieldwireless communication protocol to upload data to or download data fromthe digital pen 160. In at least some examples, the authenticationmodule 270 wirelessly synchronizes data between the digital pen 160 andthe base station 200. The authentication module 270 may be configured tocompare data captured by or stored at the digital pen 160 with datastored at the base station 200, identify differences between the digitalpen data and the base station data, and update the digital pen data orthe base station data (e.g., download data from a source device andupload data to a destination device) such that at least some digital pendata is substantially similar to the corresponding base station data.Additionally or alternatively, the authentication module 270 may beconfigured to synchronize data between the base station 200 and a userdevice 110 or the server 120. The authentication module 270 may use awireless technology, such as inductive technology, BLUETOOTH brandtechnology, NFC technology, or ZIGBEE brand technology. In at least someexamples, the authentication module 270 synchronizes the data while thedigital pen 160 is positioned within the cavity 220. Alternatively, theauthentication module 270 may synchronize the data anytime that enablesthe environment 100 to function as described herein.

The base station 200 may include a palette module 280 (shown in FIG. 2)that enables a user 140 to adjust an operating parameter associated withthe digital pen 160 and/or include a communication module 290 (shown inFIG. 2) that enables a user 140 to communicate with a remote user. FIGS.4-7 illustrate various implementations of a palette that may be usedwith the base station 200. FIG. 8 illustrates one implementation ofteleconferencing technology that may be used with the base station 200.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 including a palette device 410 (e.g., afirst user device) configured to interact with a digital pen 160, and abase station 420 (e.g., a second user device) that may be used with thepalette device 410. Similar to the base station 200, the base station420 is configured to retain a plurality of digital pens 160 and includesa sidewall 430, a charge module (not shown), an authentication module(not shown), and a palette module (not shown). The sidewall 430, thecharge module, the authentication module, and the palette module of thebase station 420 are substantially similar to the sidewall 210, thecharge module 240, the authentication module 270, and the palette module280, respectively, of the base station 200.

The palette module is configured to interface with the palette device410. The palette device 410 includes a display screen 440 configured topresent one or more display images, and a cutout 450 sized and shaped toretain or house at least a portion of the base station 420. In someexamples, the palette device 410 and the display screen 440 are eachsubstantially planar and quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) in shape. Thecutout 450 may be positioned adjacent one or more edges 460 (e.g., acorner) of the display screen 440 or one or more edges 470 of thepalette device 410. Positioning the cutout 450 adjacent edges 460 and/or470 enables a user 140 to easily move a digital pen 160 between the basestation 420 and the display screen 440. Alternatively, the cutout 450may be positioned in any location that enables the system 400 tofunction as described herein.

In some examples, the display screen 440 is a capacitive touch screenconfigured to detect pressure applied to the display screen 440. Thesensors may be touch sensitive (e.g., sensitive to a finger of the user140) or pen sensitive (e.g., sensitive to the digital pen 160). Thepalette device 410 may include one or more sensors spaced or positionedabout the display screen 440, such that the palette device 410 isconfigured to identify a location of the display screen 440 on which thepressure is applied.

The palette device 410 serves as a digital palette and presents one ormore options on the display screen 440, detects pressure applied to thedisplay screen 440 using the sensors, identifies a location of theapplied pressure on the display screen 440, and identifies one or moreoperations associated with the location of the applied pressure. Thepalette device 410 transmits a signal associated with the operations tothe palette module and, based on the signal, the base station 420identifies one or more operations, and performs the operations. A user140 may select a color from a color wheel presented on the displayscreen 440 and, based on the selection, an ink color (e.g., an operatingparameter) may be adjusted or changed to the selected color.Alternatively, the palette device 410 may present or receive any optionthat enables the system 400 to function as described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500 including a palette device 510 (e.g., afirst user device) configured to interact with a digital pen 160, and abase station 520 (e.g., a first user device) that may be used with thepalette device 510. Similar to the base station 200, the base station520 is configured to retain a plurality of digital pens 160 and includesa sidewall 530, a charge module (not shown), an authentication module(not shown), and a palette module (not shown). The sidewall 530, thecharge module, the authentication module, and the palette module of thebase station 520 are substantially similar to the sidewall 210, thecharge module 240, the authentication module 270, and the palette module280, respectively, of the base station 200.

The palette module is configured to interface with the palette device510. Similar to the palette device 410, the palette device 510 includesa display screen 540 configured to present one or more display images,and a cutout 550 sized and shaped to retain or house at least a portionof the base station 520. The display screen 540 and the cutout 550 aresubstantially similar to the display screen 440 and the cutout 450,respectively, of the palette device 410, with like elements having likenumbers. Unlike the palette device 410 or the display screen 440, thepalette device 510 and the display screen 540 are each substantiallyplanar and round (e.g., circular) in shape. In some examples, the cutout550 is positioned at approximately a center 580 of the display screen540 or of the palette device 510. Positioning the cutout 550 at thecenter 580 enables a user 140 to easily move a digital pen 160 betweenthe base station 520 and the display screen 540. Alternatively, thecutout 550 may be positioned in any location that enables the system 500to function as described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a base station 600. Similar to the base station 200,the base station 600 is configured to retain a plurality of digital pens160 and includes a sidewall 610, a charge module (not shown), anauthentication module (not shown), and a palette module (not shown). Thesidewall 610, the charge module, the authentication module, and thepalette module of the base station 600 are substantially similar to thesidewall 210, the charge module 240, the authentication module 270, andthe palette module 280, respectively, of the base station 200. Unlikethe base station 200, the base station 600 or, more particularly, thepalette module includes a display screen 620 configured to present oneor more display images. The display screen 620 is coupled to and extendsabout an outer surface 630 of the sidewall 610. The display screen 620is substantially frustoconical in shape. Alternatively, the displayscreen 620 may have any shape or configuration that enables the basestation 600 to function as described herein.

In some examples, the display screen 620 is a capacitive touch screenconfigured to detect pressure applied to the display screen 620. Thesensors may be touch sensitive (e.g., sensitive to a finger of the user140) or pen sensitive (e.g., sensitive to the digital pen 160). Thepalette module may include one or more sensors spaced or positionedabout the display screen 620, such that the palette module is configuredto identify a location of the display screen 620 on which the pressureis applied.

The palette module serves as a digital palette and presents one or moreoptions on the display screen 620, detects a pressure applied to thedisplay screen 620 using the sensors, identifies a location of theapplied pressure on the display screen 620, identifies one or moreoperations associated with the location of the applied pressure, andperforms the operations. A user 140 may select a color from a colorwheel presented on the display screen 620 and, based on the selection,an ink color (e.g., an operating parameter) may be adjusted or changedto the selected color. Alternatively, the base station 600 may presentor receive any option that enables the base station 600 to function asdescribed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a base station 700. Similar to the base station 200,the base station 700 is configured to retain a plurality of digital pens160 and includes a sidewall 710, a charge module (not shown), anauthentication module (not shown), and a palette module (not shown). Thesidewall 710, the charge module, the authentication module, and thepalette module of the base station 700 are substantially similar to thesidewall 210, the charge module 240, the authentication module 270, andthe palette module 280, respectively, of the base station 200. Unlikethe base station 200, the base station 700 or, more particularly, thepalette module includes one or more projectors 720 configured toproject/present one or more display images onto a surface 730 (e.g., atabletop), and one or more sensors configured to detect/identify alocation of an object (e.g., a fingertip of the user 140 or a tip of thedigital pen 160) positioned on or adjacent to the surface 730. An arrayof projectors 720 spaced about a perimeter of the sidewall 710 may beused to project a continuous image about the perimeter of the sidewall710. In at least some examples, one or more projectors 720 areshort-throw projectors that are positioned adjacent to the surface 730to reduce an opportunity or likelihood of an object (e.g., a hand of theuser 140, a digital pen 160) to obstruct the projection. A projector 720and a sensor may be integrated in a common component.

In this manner, the palette module is configured to project one or moreimages that serve as a virtual palette, present one or more options onthe surface 730, detect a location of an object positioned on oradjacent to the surface 730, identify one or more operations associatedwith the location of the object, and perform the operations. Forexample, a user 140 may select a color from a color wheel presented onthe surface 730, and the palette module may adjust or change an inkcolor (e.g., an operating parameter) to the selected color.Alternatively, the base station 700 may present or receive any optionthat enables the base station 700 to function as described herein.

While some examples of the disclosure are illustrated and describedherein with reference to a palette device being a dedicated palettedevice (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5) or an integrated component of the basestation (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7), aspects of the disclosure are operablewith any user device 110 that interacts with a user 140. For example,the palette device may be a portable media player, a mobile telephone, atablet, a netbook, a laptop, a desktop computer, a computing pad, akiosk, a tabletop device, an industrial control device, a wirelesscharging station, an electric automobile charging station, and othercomputing devices.

FIG. 8 illustrates a base station 800. Similar to the base station 200,the base station 800 is configured to retain a plurality of digital pens160 and includes a sidewall 810, a charge module (not shown), anauthentication module (not shown), and a communication module (notshown). The sidewall 810, the charge module, the authentication module,and the communication module of the base station 800 are substantiallysimilar to the sidewall 210, the charge module 240, the authenticationmodule 270, and the communication module 290, respectively, of the basestation 200.

In some examples, the communication module includes one or more sensorscoupled to and spaced about a perimeter the sidewall 810. The sensorsmay include one or more audio sensors 820 (e.g., microphones) configuredto detect a first parameter (e.g., sound or audio input). Additionallyor alternatively, the sensors may include one or more video sensors 840(e.g., cameras) configured to detect a second parameter (e.g., visiblelight or video input).

In some examples, the communication module includes one or moreprojectors coupled to and spaced about the perimeter of the sidewall810. The projectors may include one or more audio projectors 830 (e.g.,speakers) configured to present/project the first parameter (e.g., soundor audio output). Additionally or alternatively, the projectors mayinclude one or more video projectors 850 (e.g., display screens)configured to present/project the second parameter (e.g., visible light,images, or video output). In at least some examples, an array of videoprojectors 850 are spaced about the perimeter of the sidewall 810 suchthat a continuous image may be presented about the perimeter of thesidewall 810. The video projectors 850 may be or include curved displayscreens using, for example, organic light-emitting diode technology.Alternatively, the sensors 820, 830 or projectors 840, 850 may use anytechnology or be positioned in any location that enables the system 800to function as described herein.

The base station 800 may be coupled to a remote device (e.g., userdevice 110). The parameters detected by the sensors 820, 840 (e.g.,local audiovisual content) may be transmitted to the remote device, andparameters detected by the remote device (e.g., remote audio visualcontent) may be presented/projected by the projectors 830, 850. In atleast some examples, the base station 800 generates a first signalassociated with the local audiovisual content for transmission to theremote device, and the remote device generates a second signalassociated with the remote audiovisual content, which is received by thebase station 800.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example computing device900 (e.g., user device 110, server 120, digital pen 160, base station200, 420, 520, 600, 700, 800, palette device 410, 510). While someexamples of the disclosure are illustrated and described herein withreference to a computing device being a user device, a server, a digitalpen, a base station, or a palette device, aspects of the disclosure areoperable with any computing device or server that executes instructionsto implement the operations and functionality associated with thecomputing device or server. The computing device 900 may include aportable media player, a mobile telephone, a tablet, a netbook, alaptop, a desktop computer, a computing pad, a kiosk, a tabletop device,an industrial control device, a wireless charging station, an electricautomobile charging station, and other computing devices. Additionally,the computing device 900 may represent a group of processing units orother computing devices. Additionally, any computing device describedherein may be configured to perform any operation described hereinincluding one or more operations described herein as being performed byanother computing device.

The computing device 900 includes one or more computer-readable media,such as a memory area 910 storing computer-executable instructions, adevice charge component 912, a device association component 914, useraccounts 150, user settings, device identities, or other data, and oneor more processors 920 programmed to execute the computer-executableinstructions for implementing aspects of the disclosure. The memory area910 includes any quantity of media associated with or accessible by thecomputing device. The memory area 910 may be internal to the computingdevice (as shown in FIG. 9), external to the computing device (notshown), or both (not shown).

The processor 920 includes any quantity of processing units, and theinstructions may be performed by the processor 920 or by multipleprocessors within the computing device or performed by a processorexternal to the computing device. The processor 920 is programmed toexecute instructions such as those illustrated in the figures (e.g.,FIGS. 10 and 11).

The processor 920 is transformed into a special purpose microprocessorby executing computer-executable instructions or by otherwise beingprogrammed. For example, the device charge component 912, when executedby the processor 920, causes the processor 920 to determine whether theperipheral device is positioned within a cavity at least partiallydefined by a sidewall and, upon determining that the peripheral deviceis positioned within the cavity, transmit energy towards the cavity tocharge the peripheral device; and the device association component 914,when executed by the processor 920, causes the processor 920 todetermine whether a peripheral device is associated with a user accountand, upon determining that the peripheral device is associated with theuser account, identify one or more user settings associated with theuser account, and associate the peripheral device with the user settingssuch that the peripheral device is configured to operate in accordancewith the user settings. Although the processor 920 is shown separatefrom the memory area 910, examples of the disclosure contemplate thatthe memory area 910 may be onboard the processor 920 such as in someembedded systems.

The computing device 900 may include at least one user interface 930 forexchanging data between the computing device 900 and a user 940. Theuser interface 930 includes or is coupled to a presentation device (notshown) configured to present information, such as text, images, audio,video, graphics, alerts, and the like, to the user 940. The presentationdevice may include, without limitation, a display, a speaker, or avibrating component. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface930 includes or is coupled to an input device (not shown) configured toreceive information, such as user commands, from the user 940. The inputdevice may include, without limitation, a controller, a camera, amicrophone, or an accelerometer. In at least some examples, thepresentation device and the input device are integrated in a common userinterface 930 configured to present information to the user 940 andreceive information from the user 940. The user-interface device mayinclude, without limitation, a capacitive touch screen display, or acontroller including a vibrating component.

The computing device 900 includes at least one communication interface950 for exchanging data between the computing device 900 and acomputer-readable media or another computing device. In at least someexamples, the server 120 is coupled to the user device 110 and/or thedigital pen 160 via the network 130. Communication between the computingdevice 900 and a computer-readable media or another computing device mayoccur using any protocol or mechanism over any wired or wirelessconnection.

The block diagram of FIG. 9 is merely illustrative of an example systemthat may be used in connection with one or more examples of thedisclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Further,peripherals or components of the computing devices known in the art arenot shown, but are operable with aspects of the disclosure. At least aportion of the functionality of the various elements in FIG. 9 may beperformed by other elements in FIG. 9, or an entity (e.g., processor,web service, server, applications, computing device, etc.) not shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 1000 of managingan operation of a charge module 240. It is determined at 1010 whetherone or more digital pens 160 are positioned in a cavity 220 at leastpartially defined by a base station sidewall 210. Upon determining thatone or more digital pens 160 are positioned within the cavity 220, abase station charge module 240 transmits energy towards the cavity 220at 1020 to charge the digital pens 160 positioned within the cavity 220.In at least some examples, upon determining at 1030 that each digitalpen 160 positioned within the cavity 220 is fully charged, the chargemodule 240 does not transmit or ceases transmission of energy at 1040.

The digital pens 160 are removable from the cavity 220 for use with oneor more user devices 110. For example, one or more users 140 may removeone or more digital pens 160 to use the digital pens 160 with aninteractive whiteboard. In at least some examples, the digital pens 160are paired with the user device 110, such that the digital pens 160 areconfigured to interact with the user device 110. The digital pens 160may operate in accordance with one or more default settings (e.g.,settings not unique or associated with a particular user 140 or useraccount 150). A plurality of digital pens 160 may be simultaneously usedwith a user device 110. Upon determining that no digital pens 160 arepositioned within the cavity 220 (e.g., all digital pens 160 are removedfrom the cavity 220) or that each digital pen 160 positioned within thecavity 220 is charged a predetermined amount (e.g., 100%), in at leastsome examples, the charge module 240 does not transmit or ceases at 1040transmission of energy towards the cavity 220.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 1100 of managingan authentication module 270. A variety of input may be provided to thedigital pen 160 or a user device 110 (e.g., base station 200, 420, 520,600, 700, 800, palette device 410, 510) to affect an operation of thedigital pen 160, the user device 110, or another user device. A usernameand password may be provided to access the user account 150. Forexample, it may be determined at 1110 whether the digital pen 160 isassociated with a user account 150 by comparing the provided usernameand password with a predetermined, verified user name and passwordassociated with the user account 150. Digital pens 160 not associatedwith a user account 150 (e.g., a provided username and password do notmatch the predetermined, verified username or password) may operate inaccordance with one or more default settings at 1120.

Upon determining that the digital pen 160 is associated with the useraccount 150, one or more user settings associated with the user account150 are identified at 1130, and the digital pen 160 is associated withthe user settings at 1140 such that the digital pen 160 is configured tooperate in accordance with the user settings. In at least some examples,a user 140 with access to the user account 150 (e.g., a user 140 of adigital pen 160 associated with the user account 150) may provide inputto edit the user account 150 at 1150 to include at least someinformation associated with the input, and the user account 150 isupdated based on the input at 1160. For example, a pen-button assignmentmay be provided, and one or more user settings may be created or updatedbased on the provided pen-button assignment. The pen-button assignmentmay remain associated with the user account 150 until a predeterminedevent (e.g., the pen-button assignment is disassociated from the useraccount 150, a new pen-button assignment is associated with the useraccount 150) occurs or a predetermined amount of time lapses. The user140 may be authenticated based on input that verifies an identity of theuser 140 with a relatively high confidence (e.g., biometric data).

An operating parameter associated with the digital pen 160 may beadjusted. A palette module 280 or a palette device 410, 510 may bepresent one or more options to the user 140, and the user 140 may selectone of the options. For example, the operating parameter may be adjustedsuch that the digital pen 160 operates in accordance with the selectedoption. The digital pen 160 may continue to operate in accordance withthe selected option until a predetermined event (e.g., the digital pen160 is positioned within the cavity 220, a new operating parameterconflicting with the selected option is provided) occurs orpredetermined amount of time lapses, at which point a digital pen 160not associated with a user account 150 may operate in accordance withone or more default settings and a digital pen 160 associated with auser account 150 may operate in accordance with one or more usersettings.

In this manner, a user 140 may pick up a digital pen 160, customize thedigital pen 160 at one user device 110 (e.g., a palette), and/or use thedigital pen 160 at another user device 110 (e.g., a whiteboard) inaccordance with the customizations. The digital pen 160 may beassociated with one or more user settings (e.g., via logging in to useraccount 150) at any user device 110 and be associated with the usersettings across all the user devices 110. That is, the other userdevices 110 may automatically recognize the user settings such that thedigital pen 160 is configured to interact with each user device 110 inaccordance with the user settings with no or little user intervention.The user 140 may interact with one user device 110 via another userdevice 110. For example, a user 140 may write on a whiteboard byinteracting with a palette and/or access a palette by interacting with awhiteboard.

The base station 200 serves as a collaboration tool that may bepositioned at the center of a meeting room table. The base station 200may provide teleconferencing functionality. In at least some examples,local audiovisual content is detected and, based on the inputaudiovisual content, a first signal is generated for transmission to aremote device (e.g., a user device 110). Additionally or alternatively,a second signal is received from the remote device and, based on thesecond signal, remote audio visual content is presented.

The base station 200 serves as a connection point for datasynchronization across a plurality of users 140 and a plurality ofdevices (e.g., digital pen 160, base station 200, 420, 520, 600, 700,800, palette device 410, 510, and/or user device 110). User settings maybe synchronized across devices to enable a plurality of users 140 tosimultaneously use a plurality of digital pens 160 associated with theirrespective user accounts 150 on an interactive whiteboard. The digitalpen 160 may upload data captured by the digital pen 160 (e.g., locationdata, gesture data, biometric data) during use to the base station 200when the digital pen 160 is returned to the cavity 220. A user 140 maybe authenticated by a thumbprint, a signature, or any other verificationparameter.

The subject matter described herein enables a docking station to providevarious capabilities including storing, charging, data connecting, andeasily accessing digital pens. In some examples, a digital pen may beefficiently and effectively used across a plurality of user devicesincluding the docking station. In this way, a plurality of peripheraldevices may be used by a plurality of users in a seamless manner.

Example computer-readable media include flash memory drives, digitalversatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tapecassettes. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable mediacomprise computer storage media and communication media. Computerstorage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media are tangible andmutually exclusive to communication media. Computer storage media areimplemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and propagatedsignals. Computer storage media for purposes of this disclosure are notsignals per se. Example computer storage media include hard disks, flashdrives, and other solid-state memory. In contrast, communication mediatypically embody computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as acarrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any informationdelivery media.

Although described in connection with an example computing systemenvironment, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementationwith numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing systemenvironments, configurations, or devices.

Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of thedisclosure include, but are not limited to, mobile computing devices,personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,mobile computing and/or communication devices in wearable or accessoryform factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), networkPCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, and thelike. Such systems or devices may accept input from the user in any way,including from input devices such as a keyboard or pointing device, viagesture input, proximity input (such as by hovering), and/or via voiceinput.

Examples of the disclosure may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed byone or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware,or a combination thereof. The computer-executable instructions may beorganized into one or more computer-executable components or modules.Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines,programs, objects, components, and data structures that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects ofthe disclosure may be implemented with any number and organization ofsuch components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure arenot limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or thespecific components or modules illustrated in the figures and describedherein. Other examples of the disclosure may include differentcomputer-executable instructions or components having more or lessfunctionality than illustrated and described herein.

The examples illustrated and described herein as well as examples notspecifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of thedisclosure constitute example means for managing an operation of aperipheral device. For example, the elements illustrated in FIGS. 1-9,such as when encoded to perform the operations illustrated in FIGS. 10and 11 constitute at least an example means for determining whether aperipheral device is positioned within a cavity, and transmitting energytowards the cavity to charge the peripheral device; and an example meansfor determining whether a peripheral device is associated with a useraccount, identifying one or more user settings associated with the useraccount, and associating the peripheral device with the user settingssuch that the peripheral device is configured to operate in accordancewith the user settings.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples ofthe disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unlessotherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in anyorder, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure mayinclude additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. Forexample, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particularoperation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation iswithin the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examplesthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Thephrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least oneof A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in theappended claims. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope ofaspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Alternatively or in addition to the other examples described herein,examples include any combination of the following:

a digital pen;

a user device configured to interact with the digital pen;

a sidewall at least partially defining a cavity, the cavity sized toretain a plurality of digital pens therein;

a charge module including one or more inductive rings coupled to thesidewall such that the inductive rings extend about the cavity;

a charge module configured to determine whether a digital pen ispositioned within the cavity;

a charge module configured to use inductive rings to transmit energytowards the cavity such that the charge module charges the digital penthrough induction;

one or more inductive rings coupled to the sidewall such that the chargemodule is configured to charge a first digital pen having a firstconfiguration and a second digital pen having a second configurationdifferent from the first configuration;

an authentication module configured to determine whether the digital penis associated with a user account;

an authentication module configured to identify one or more usersettings associated with the user account;

an authentication module configured to associate the digital pen withthe user settings such that the digital pen is configured to operate inaccordance with the user settings;

an authentication module configured to receive input from the digitalpen;

an authentication module configured to authenticate a user associatedwith the digital pen;

an authentication module configured to receive input from a palettedevice;

an authentication module configured to adjust an operating parameterassociated with the digital pen;

an authentication module configured to couple a first user device to asecond user device;

a palette module including a display screen coupled to an outer surfaceof the sidewall, the display screen configured to present a displayimage;

a palette module including one or more sensors positioned about thedisplay screen, the sensors configured to detect a pressure applied tothe display screen;

a palette module configured to identify one or more operationsassociated with the detected pressure;

a palette module including a projector configured to project a displayimage onto a surface;

a palette module including one or more sensors positioned about thedisplay screen, the sensors configured to detect a location of an objectpositioned on the surface;

a palette module configured to identify one or more operationsassociated with the detected location;

a palette module configured to receive input associated with one or moreoperations;

a palette module configured to perform the operations;

a communication module including one or more microphones coupled to thesidewall, the microphones configured to detect audio input;

a communication module including one or more speakers coupled to thesidewall, the speakers configured to project audio output;

a communication module including one or more cameras coupled to thesidewall, the cameras configured to detect video input;

a communication module including one or more display screens coupled tothe sidewall, the display screens configured to present video output;

determining whether the peripheral device is positioned within a cavityat least partially defined by a sidewall;

transmitting energy towards the cavity to charge the peripheral device;

determining whether the peripheral device is associated with a useraccount;

identifying one or more user settings associated with the user account;

associating the peripheral device with the user settings such that theperipheral device is configured to operate in accordance with the usersettings;

determining that each peripheral device positioned within the cavity isfully charged;

ceasing transmission of energy towards the cavity;

receiving input from the peripheral device;

authenticating a user associated with the peripheral device;

editing the user account to include at least some information associatedwith the input;

adjusting an operating parameter associated with the peripheral device;

presenting, at a display screen, a display image;

detecting pressure applied to the display screen;

identifying one or more operations associated with the detectedpressure;

projecting, onto a surface remote from the sidewall, a display image;

detecting a location of an object positioned on the surface;

identifying one or more operations associated with the detectedlocation;

performing the operations;

detecting, at a communication module, local audiovisual content;

generating a first signal for transmission to a remote device;

receiving, from the remote device, a second signal; and

presenting, at the communication module, remote audiovisual content.

In some examples, the operations illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may beimplemented as software instructions encoded on a computer readablemedium, in hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, orboth. For example, aspects of the disclosure may be implemented as asystem on a chip or other circuitry including a plurality ofinterconnected, electrically conductive elements.

While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms ofvarious examples with their associated operations, a person skilled inthe art would appreciate that a combination of operations from anynumber of different examples is also within scope of the aspects of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A base station comprising: a sidewall at leastpartially defining a cavity, the cavity sized to retain a plurality ofdigital pens therein; a charge module comprising one or more inductiverings coupled to the sidewall such that the inductive rings extend aboutthe cavity, the charge module configured to: determine whether a digitalpen is positioned within the cavity, and upon determining that thedigital pen is positioned within the cavity, use the inductive rings totransmit energy towards the cavity such that the charge module chargesthe digital pen through induction; and an authentication moduleconfigured to: determine whether the digital pen is associated with auser account, and upon determining that the digital pen is associatedwith the user account, identify one or more user settings associatedwith the user account, and associate the digital pen with the usersettings such that the digital pen is configured to operate inaccordance with the user settings.
 2. The base station of claim 1,wherein the inductive rings are coupled to the sidewall such that thecharge module is configured to charge a first digital pen having a firstconfiguration and a second digital pen having a second configurationdifferent from the first configuration.
 3. The base station of claim 1,wherein the authentication module is configured to: receive input fromthe digital pen; and based on the input, authenticate a user associatedwith the digital pen.
 4. The base station of claim 1, further comprisinga palette module configured to: receive input from a palette device; andbased on the input, adjust an operating parameter associated with thedigital pen.
 5. The base station of claim 1, further comprising apalette module that comprises: a display screen coupled to an outersurface of the sidewall, the display screen configured to present adisplay image; one or more sensors positioned about the display screen,the sensors configured to detect a pressure applied to the displayscreen, wherein, based on the pressure applied to the display screen,the palette module is configured to: identify one or more operationsassociated with the detected pressure; and perform the operations. 6.The base station of claim 1, further comprising a palette module thatcomprises: a projector configured to project a display image onto asurface; and one or more sensors configured to detect a location of anobject positioned on the surface, wherein, based on the location of theobject, the palette module is configured to: identify one or moreoperations associated with the detected location; and perform theoperations.
 7. The base station of claim 1, further comprising acommunication module that comprises: one or more microphones coupled tothe sidewall, the microphones configured to detect audio input; and oneor more speakers coupled to the sidewall, the speakers configured toproject audio output.
 8. The base station of claim 1, further comprisinga communication module that comprises: one or more cameras coupled tothe sidewall, the cameras configured to detect video input; and one ormore display screens coupled to the sidewall, the display screensconfigured to present video output.
 9. A computer-implemented method formanaging an operation of a peripheral device, the method comprisingexecuting on one or more computing devices the operations of:determining whether the peripheral device is positioned within a cavityat least partially defined by a sidewall; upon determining that theperipheral device is positioned within the cavity, transmitting energytowards the cavity to charge the peripheral device; determining whetherthe peripheral device is associated with a user account; and upondetermining that the peripheral device is associated with the useraccount, identifying one or more user settings associated with the useraccount, and associating the peripheral device with the user settingssuch that the peripheral device is configured to operate in accordancewith the user settings.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determiningwhether the peripheral device is positioned within the cavity comprises:determining that each peripheral device positioned within the cavity isfully charged; and ceasing transmission of energy towards the cavity.11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving input from theperipheral device; and based on the input, authenticating a userassociated with the peripheral device.
 12. The method of claim 9,further comprising: receiving input from the peripheral device; andbased on the input, editing the user account to include at least someinformation associated with the input.
 13. The method of claim 9,further comprising: receiving input from the peripheral device; andbased on the input, adjusting an operating parameter associated with theperipheral device.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising:presenting, at a display screen, a display image; detecting pressureapplied to the display screen; identifying one or more operationsassociated with the detected pressure; and performing the operations.15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: projecting, onto asurface remote from the sidewall, a display image; detecting a locationof an object positioned on the surface; identifying one or moreoperations associated with the detected location; and performing theoperations.
 16. The method of claim 9, further comprising: detecting, ata communication module, local audiovisual content; based on the localaudiovisual content, generating a first signal for transmission to aremote device; receiving, from the remote device, a second signal; andbased on the second signal, presenting, at the communication module,remote audiovisual content.
 17. A system comprising: a digital pen; afirst user device configured to interact with the digital pen; and asecond user device comprising: a sidewall at least partially defining acavity, the cavity sized to retain the digital pen therein, a chargemodule configured to transmit energy towards the cavity such that, whenthe digital pen is positioned within the cavity, the charge modulecharges the digital pen through induction; and an authentication moduleconfigured to: determine whether the digital pen is associated with auser account; and upon determining that the digital pen is associatedwith the user account, identify one or more user settings associatedwith the user account, and associate the digital pen with the usersettings such that the digital pen is configured to interact with thefirst user device and the second user device in accordance with the usersettings.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the authentication moduleis configured to couple the first user device to the second user device.19. The system of claim 17, wherein the second user device comprises apalette module configured to receive input associated with one or moreoperations, and, based on the received input, perform the operations.20. The system of claim 17, wherein the second user device comprises acommunication module configured to: detect local audiovisual content;based on the local audiovisual content, generate a first signal fortransmission to a remote device; receive, from the remote device, asecond signal; and based on the second signal, present remoteaudiovisual content.